Swedish greenhouse gas emissions all-time low

Emissions of greenhouse gases fell 5 percent between 2011 and 2012 in Sweden. This is the lowest figure since base year 1990.

According to a new report by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, emissions of greenhouse gases fell 5 percent (3 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents) between 2011 and 2012 to 58.3 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents. Emissions have decreased 20 percent equal to 14 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents since 1990, according to preliminary data.

The reduction is generally due to decreases within energy industries, industry and road transports. Between 2011 and 2012, emissions from road transport decreased 4 percent. The decrease is due to the new cars sold are more fuel efficient than older ones, but also a higher proportion of biofuels and that the total amount of traffic on the roads fell in 2012.

Emissions from industry decreased 8 percent between 2011 and 2012. The decrease is primarily due to reductions in the iron and steel industry, the pulp and paper industry and the chemical industry due to weak economy and declining export figures.

Emissions from energy industries (production of electricity and district heating, solid fuels and refineries) decreased 5 percent between 2011 and 2012. Greenhouse gas emissions from energy industries are strongly correlated to temperature and precipitation. 2012 was a warm and rainy year contributing to the decrease.